Haiti relief events planned

Grand Island Dispatch, January 22, 2010

The devastating earthquake that struck Haiti has only strengthened the resolve of Islanders to continue their long-standing support of the island nation.

Several groups have plans in the works to assist, both spiritually and monetarily, the recent relief efforts.

•On Sunday, Jan. 24, Trinity United Methodist Church will devote special emphasis of prayer and sharing for the people of Haiti during each of the three morning worship services.

Two officials of the United Methodist Committee on Relief who were in Haiti perished in the collapse of one of the buildings. Prayers will be offered for their families, friends and co-workers. A special offering will be collected to support the relief efforts through the United Methodist Church.

Additionally, those who have been in ministry in Haiti, including Trinity Pastor Jeff Childs, will share their personal reflections on Haiti and encourage others who might feel God’s call to go on future mission trips.

Worship services are at 8, 9 and 10:30 a.m. Trinity United Methodist Church is located at 2100 Whitehaven Road.

•Rotarian John Harbison of Grand Island, who has made annual aid trips to Haiti over the last five years, reports that the Grand Island Rotary decided at its Wednesday meeting to use funds raised at its upcoming “Wine, Cheese and Tango” event for Haiti relief.

Harbison has been helping to spearhead efforts aimed at establishment of a medical clinic in Haiti, an endeavor that has received support from Trinity UMC, the GI and Williamsville Rotary Clubs, and Whitehaven Road Baptist Church of Grand Island. He will host a meeting on Feb. 1 to plan for the next trip.

“A lot of people from Grand Island go every year in May,” Harbison said.

•Huth Road Elementary and Kaegebein Elementary are undertaking a spare change campaign, where members of the school community can donate coinage into a large jar for two weeks, ending Jan. 29. Kaegebein Principal Mary Haggerty reports that the money will be counted and donated to the Red Cross, designated for the Haitian relief efforts.

In a letter to families, Haggerty noted that many Kaegebein students had approached her and the faculty, expressing interest in aiding the relief effort.

“We can all be proud that many of our students have voiced their concerns and expressed a desire to help,” Haggerty wrote.

The fundraiser will culminate in a Hats for Haiti day on Jan. 29, where students will be allowed to wear a hat during the school day for a contribution of $1.